These form because of a problem with the fascia, ligaments, and muscles of the pelvis.

Reasons for Procedure

Cystocele and rectocele can cause problems going to the bathroom such as frequent urination, urine leakage, and difficulty urinating. Pain during sex may also occur. This surgery is done to help relieve these symptoms.

Most often, this type of surgery is not done until all other treatments have been tried. Other treatments may include muscle exercises and the insertion of a supportive device called a pessary. If you have tried these treatments and have had no relief, your doctor may suggest surgical repair.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have this type of repair, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Reaction to anesthesia

Infection

Bleeding

Accidental damage to vagina, rectum, and bladder

Accidental damage to nearby organs

Difficulty with bowel movements

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

Talk to your doctor about your current medications. Certain medications may need to be stopped before the procedure, such as:

Anti-inflammatory medications

Blood thinners

Anti-platelet medications

Eat a light meal the evening before the surgery.

Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight on the night before the procedure.

If you are having a rectocele repair, you may need to have an enema the night before the surgery.

Anesthesia

You will have either
general
or
regional anesthesia
.
With general anesthesia, you will be asleep. Regional anesthesia will numb your lower body, but you will be awake.

Description of the Procedure

You may be given an antibiotic just before surgery. A tube called a catheter will be inserted in the urethra. This will allow urine to drain and decrease pressure on the bladder.

A cut will be made in the skin to expose the involved muscle and tissue. In some cases, the muscles and tissue will be sewn back onto itself. This will make it stronger. In other cases, a mesh-type material will be used to strengthen the tissue. Any tissue that has been weakened by previous surgeries, pregnancies, or age will be removed. Excess vaginal lining will be removed as well.

In some cases, a suspension or elevation procedure may be done. These are special sutures that provide extra support to the bladder.

How Long Will It Take?

45 minutes to two or more hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will likely experience vaginal discomfort for 1-2 weeks following the surgery. You will be given medication to help relieve this.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 1-2 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

A medicated vaginal packing is usually left in the vagina overnight.

If you had a rectocele repair, the bladder catheter will be removed as soon as you are able to use the restroom on your own.

If you had a cystocele repair, the bladder catheter often needs to stay in longer—sometimes 2-6 days. This will allow the bladder more time to begin to work normally.

You may notice an odor and/or bloody discharge from the vagina for 1-2 weeks.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incisions

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Avoid lifting anything that weighs more than 10 pounds for about six weeks.

Avoid sexual intercourse for about six weeks.

Avoid inserting anything into the vagina, including tampons, for about six weeks.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s
instructions.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Excessive bleeding or any discharge from the incision site

Unusually heavy vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

Nausea or vomiting

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Inability to pass urine into the catheter

Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent blood in the urine

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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